Jack Tuthill, Author at Surfside On The Lake

Oct 14 2022

A Vacation for Lake George History Buffs

You may already know that Lake George is home to America’s Original Vacation, but did you know that our region is also entrenched in fascinating history? The Lake George Area was fundamental in the formation of our country, from the French and Indian War to the American Revolution. Today our local museums, military forts, and historic sites continue to tell the tales of our storied past. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and step into the past in Lake George at these fascinating historic sites:

Fort William Henry Museum

Fort William played a vital role in Lake George’s efforts in the French and Indian Wars. Today, they offer a range of tours, events, and education programs that highlight the sights and stories of the fort. Join their guided military demonstrations, tour the museum exhibits, and witness live cannon firings. If you visit us during the fall, you will have a unique opportunity to meet the ghosts of the fort with a haunted history tour.

Fort Ticonderoga

Approximately one hour from Lake George, you can visit another historic Adirondack fort. Fort Ticonderoga offers endless adventures for history buffs, including daily tours, historical demonstrations, and museum exhibitions. The fort is hailed as the premier living history program in the country, with weapons demonstrations, shoemaking, tailoring, carpentry, and more.

There is so much to do at Fort Ticonderoga, from strolling through a historic garden to marveling at historical artifacts in the museum!

Grant Cottage State Historic Site

Visit the cottage where President Ulysses S. Grant lived out the last of his days during your Lake George history getaway. Take a guided cottage tour and witness unique artifacts that belonged to the Grant family. You can also join a hidden history hiking tour to learn about what has drawn visitors to the Adirondacks for hundreds of years.

Self-Guided Walking Tour

Embark on the Colonial Wars in Lake George Walking Tour and discover 20 historical and natural sites along the three-mile route. The first stop on the route is the Old Courthouse, which houses the Lake George Historical Association museum. Other significant sites along the tour include:

Lake George Hotel Lodging

Escape to the Adirondacks and discover fascinating Lake George history during your getaway. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and start your self-guided walking tour right from the hotel. We are conveniently located on the lake and in the village, so you can easily access everything Lake George offers! Browse our rooms and suites and plan your historic Adirondack vacation today!

Sep 11 2022

Autumn in the Adirondacks: Lake George Fall Activities

Autumn in the Adirondacks has returned, welcoming vibrant foliage in our forests and crisp mountain breezes. We encourage you to experience the magic of the season in the charming village of Lake George. The season offers the perfect weather to enjoy the area’s top outdoor attractions like hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling. A Lake George fall vacation encourages you to explore our beautiful trails, pick juicy apples, sip fall-flavored brews, attend harvest festivals, and discover haunted history. Stay with Surfside on the Lake, and you will be centrally located to all the fall fun around Lake George.

7 Fall Adventures in Lake George

One of the most popular Lake George fall activities is leaf-peeping. Whether you want to hike, bike, kayak, drive, or boat, you can expect vibrant foliage to backdrop your exploration. Here are a few ways to have fun outside this autumn in Lake George:

Hike or drive up Prospect Mountain to be awarded the best panoramic views of Lake George during the fall.
Head to the Lake George Village and pick up the Warren County Bikeway trail for a scenic fall bike ride!
View fall foliage from a new perspective with a fun and educational cruise with the Lake George Steamboat Company.
Visit the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course for exhilarating obstacle courses and zipline parks.
Make a half-hour drive to Schuylerville and visit Saratoga Apple to pick your own apples this season.
Visit Million Dollar Beach on Lake George for some excellent fall fly fishing!
Visit the Fort William Henry Museum and hear about paranormal experiences during the haunted history tour.

Plan Your Getaway Around a Fall Festival

If you want to make your fall getaway extra memorable, we recommend joining us for one of our annual fall festivals. The Lake George Oktoberfest & Fall Festival transforms our mountain town into a Bavarian street fair. This event is jam-packed with German food, drinks, music, dancing, carnival rides, and artisans.

You can also celebrate the season at Queensbury’s West Mountain Fall Festival. You can expect fun for the whole family, like petting zoos, live music, brewery tastings, food, and scenic hayrides. The Great Escape amusement park welcomes another year of Fright Fest throughout October. Take the kids on some spooky rides and haunted attractions this fall!

Lake George, NY, Accommodations

Plan a Lake George fall vacation and discover all the fun happenings around town this season. Then return to Surfside on the Lake and enjoy the views of the foliage around the lake from your hotel room. Take advantage of our guest savings and book your fall getaway in the Adirondacks today!

Aug 15 2022

Fall Activities: Attend the Adirondack Balloon Festival

Fall is right around the corner in Lake George, which can only mean that the sky will soon be dotted with colorful hot air balloons. The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a tradition in Warren County that has attracted balloonists and visitors for nearly 50 years! Not only will vibrant balloons travel past the Adirondack Mountains there will also be food vendors, craft fairs, live music, and fun children’s activities. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and join us for this one-of-a-kind fall event near Lake George!

General Information

The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a free event that attracts upwards of 150,000 people! For those who have never attended the festival, we’d like to share some general information on where to go and what to bring.

Balloon flights occur just after sunrise or close to sunset. Visit the Adirondack Balloon Festival Facebook page for updates on scheduled flights.
There are two locations where flights start. This includes Floyd Bennet Memorial Airport in Queensbury and Crandall Park in Glens Falls.
Pets, drones, and smoking are not allowed on festival grounds.
Keep in mind that balloon flights are weather dependent, and they will not fly if it is rainy or too windy.
We recommend dressing in layers; since September weather in the Adirondacks can be unpredictable.
Feel free to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers for extra comfort.

What to Expect at Adirondack Balloon Festival

Every year the festival is a bit different, but there are several reoccurring events that visitors look forward to every year:

Downtown Glen Falls kicks off the celebration with an annual block party. This event will include a display of balloon baskets and a car show for you to stroll through. There will also be kids’ activities, food, and live music!
The ZONTA craft fair will return to the festival
Every year, there is a night flight where hot air balloons will ascend, lit up by the moon’s soft glow. Don’t forget to bring your flashlights!
Additional activities include food vendors, a craft fair, an aircraft display, rock climbing walls, fireworks, and much more!

Adirondack Hotel Rooms for the Balloon Festival

The Adirondack Balloon Festival is right around the corner, so make sure you book your room with Surfside on the Lake now! We are located on the shores of Lake George, offering the perfect lake-cation for your Adirondack getaway. Take advantage of our private beach, and don’t forget to enjoy the view from our Rooftop Cabana Bar. Browse our collection of 150 rooms and suites, and book your fall vacation today!

Jul 15 2022

Family Attractions: Lake George Amusement Parks

Lake George, NY, is a top destination for families in the summer, thanks to our area’s wealth of kid-oriented attractions. Whether you want to cool off at the lake, play a round of mini golf, or spend the day at an amusement park, Lake George has something for everyone! The Lake George amusement parks offer exhilarating rollercoasters for older kids and carousels for our youngest visitors. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and access family-friendly fun just minutes from our hotel!

Six Flags Great Escape

Six Flags Great Escape is around ten minutes away from Surfside on the Lake and offers one of the top attractions for families visiting the area. Over 135 rides and attractions are available at the park, including the Hurricane Harbor waterpark. Cool off this summer on the waterslides and wave pools or kick back and relax on the lazy river. The park is also home to “The Comet,” an impressive wooden roller coaster first built in 1927! And if you have little ones not ready for The Comet, there are over a dozen kid-friendly rides. Purchase your Great Escape tickets here!

Lake George Expedition Park

The Lake George Expedition Park offers a unique experience for kids and kids at heart. This is more than just a Lake George amusement park; it’s also an excellent place for the kids to discover something new. The Dino Roar Valley offers a journey through time where kids can become archaeologists for a day. Dig for fossils, see life-sized dinosaurs, and participate in fun performances.

There is also a Magic Forest where you can find the Ferris wheel, carousel, tilt-a-whirl, and paratrooper. There is also a train that will take you through the forest and a path that showcases the rich history of Lake George.

Funa’rama Fun Park

If you want an amusement park experience without the crowds, we recommend visiting Funa’rama, just a half mile from our hotel. They have a carousel, teacup ride, bumper cars, and bumper boats. Head inside for a fun collection of games in the arcade.

Although it is not technically an amusement park, the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course is an excellent destination for family fun. They feature treetop courses, zipline tours, and river tubing.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Lake George, NY

Fun for the whole family awaits at the Lake George amusement parks this summer! Discover more summer fun when you choose Surfside on the Lake to host your getaway. Rent a paddle board and explore the Queen of American Lakes or cool off with a cocktail at our rooftop Cabana Bar. Surfside offers a wide variety of rooms to fit all budgets and needs; find the perfect room at our resort today!

Jun 15 2022

Summer Activities: Lake George Boat Cruises

Summers in Lake George are spectacular, with endless ways to get on the water and discover the largest lake in the Adirondacks. Affectionately known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” the 32-mile body of water has long attracted families looking for summer fun. One of our favorite ways to explore Lake George during the summer is on a boat cruise where families can sightsee and learn about the area’s fascinating history. Lake George boat cruises can also cater to families with little ones with fun pirate-themed trips and summer fireworks. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and plan your lake-cation today!

Lake George Steamboat Company

The Lake George Steamboat Company has a long and storied history in New York, founded in 1817. Today they continue to use three ships for sightseeing and fun lake cruises. The Mohican is the oldest continuously operated tour boat in America, which began in 1908. The Mohican offers family-oriented dinner cruises along with trips into Paradise Bay and the Islands of the Narrows.

The second cruise ship is the Lac du Saint Sacrement, offering fantastic sightseeing and dinner cruises. Each trip will include live entertainment, captain narrations, and a snack and cocktail bar. Finally, Minne-Ha-Ha offers cruises on one of the last steam paddle ships in America. The cruise options are excellent for families with short one-hour trips and a pirate cruise on the weekends. You can find all the cruises available with Lake George Steamboat Company here.

Shoreline Cruises

Shoreline Cruises is another popular option for Lake George boat cruises. Their most popular trip is the Historic Sightseeing Cruise, where guests will embark on a one-hour trip through the past. Learn about historical events like the Revolutionary War and the influential people that settled on Millionaire’s Row.

Another favorite option for summer in Lake George is the Fireworks Dinner Cruise. You will board the Adirondac and head out into the water to view a spectacular fireworks display. They also have a Family Firework Cruise aboard the Horicon, which is only a short one-hour trip. Discover all the Shoreline Cruises available on Lake George here.

Tiki Tours

Tiki Tours offers a unique boating experience on Lake George! Tike Tours offers lake trips on a thatch-covered tiki boat that can hold up to twelve passengers. This is a fun option for families and friends looking for a unique water experience in Lake George.

Lakefront Hotels in Lake George, NY

Set sail this summer and spend an afternoon exploring the Adirondacks with Lake George boat cruises. Stay directly on Lake George when you choose Surfside on the Lake to host your getaway. Continue to explore the water on your own with our beach recreation rentals like kayaks and paddle boards. Browse our rooms and suites and start planning your summer escape to Lake George today!

May 06 2022

Summer Vacation at Our Lake George Family Resort

Summer is on the horizon, and now is the best time to start planning your family getaway in Lake George. And if you are searching for Lake George family resorts, look no further than Surfside on the Lake. Our Adirondack hotel offers many amenities for families, from our children’s playground to our private beach where you can splash in the water all summer long. We also provide a guest savings program where your family can save money on various activities and attractions in town. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family resort this summer, from our Surfside family to yours!

Lake George Family Resorts: Surfside on the Lake

Surfside on the Lake is an excellent destination for families visiting Lake George. We have everything your family needs this summer with our convenient amenities, on-site restaurant, and spacious hotel rooms.

We have a private 230-foot sandy beach where you can rent one of our paddle boats, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards.
Utilize our BBQ grills for summer grill-outs at the beach
Cool off from the summer heat in our outdoor pool
The kiddos can play all day long at our on-site playground
We have a rooftop bar and restaurant where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake George with your favorite cocktail. We even have kiddy cocktails and fruit smoothies for our younger guests!
Reserve a pontoon with Lake George Boat Rentals for even more fun on the water together!

Discounts on Lake George Family Activities

Our Lake George family resort offers a Guest Savings Program so your family can easily save money on activities during your vacation.

We offer $5 off per person at Tubby Tubes, where you can join lazy river tubing on the Hudson River.
Sign up for a treetop adventure at Adirondack Extreme and save $3 per person. The courses include rock walls, walking bridges, and ziplines for all ages.
Parasailing is a fantastic family activity for your vacation. Soar high above the lake with Parasail Joe’s and save $10 on each ride.
The Fun Spot offers unlimited fun in Lake George for families. Their attractions include an arcade, go-carts, mini-golf, arcade games, virtual reality, and roller skating. Surfside guests can buy one admission at full price, and you will receive the second ticket at half price!
Learn something new together at the World Awareness Children’s Museum. Children can learn about cultures worldwide through their collection of hands-on exhibits. Our guests will receive $1 on their admission price.

The Perfect Family Vacation in Lake George

Surfside on the Lake offers the perfect escape for families vacationing in the Adirondacks this summer. Our Lake George family resort has 154 hotel rooms to fit all budgets and needs. Small families can choose our North Wing Room with two queen beds, and we recommend our suites for larger families. Many of our suites come with three queen beds and private patios or balconies. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family resort this summer!

Apr 15 2022

Try Adirondack Horseback Riding near Lake George

Now that spring has sprung in the Lake George Area, now is the perfect time to get outside and try something new! The snow on the trails is melting, opening the way for endless outdoor adventures in the Adirondacks. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the mountains is by horseback riding in Lake George. Several stables in the area offer guided trail rides through the most scenic regions of Upstate NY. Surfside on the Lake provides a fantastic lodging option right on the shores of the Queen of American Lakes. It’s time to saddle up in Lake George and immerse yourself in the Adirondacks with a horseback riding adventure!

Saddle Up Stables

Saddle Up Stables has been guiding family-friendly horseback rides in Lake George for over 75 years! They offer one-hour rides that wind through the mountains and under the canopy of ancient forests. The trail guides will choose the right horse based on your size and ability to ensure everyone has a fun and successful ride. The minimum age for horseback riding is seven, but kids of all ages are welcome to sign up for Pony Rides.

Trail rides begin in late June and end in mid-September.

Circle B Ranch

Circle B Ranch is a short drive from Lake George in nearby Chestertown. They have three scenic trail ride options through the Adirondack Mountains. The Beaver Dam Trail is one hour, while the Circle Mountain & Valley Trail is a two-hour ride. They also have a unique Picnic Lunch Ride for groups of six or more who want a delicious lunch included with their ride. To reserve your trail ride, call 518-494-4888.

Horseback riding begins in mid-May through the fall.

Mountain View Rocking B Ranch

Experience horseback riding near Lake George with Mountain View Rocking B Ranch. The one-hour trail ride will take you past mountain views, streams, and blooming wildflowers. Or start your morning on the trails with the Good Mornin’ Breakfast Ride Package. The hearty breakfast includes bacon, eggs, biscuits, fruit, juice, and coffee. And if you are not a morning person, you can signup for the three-hour Sunset Dinner Package Ride!

Open from May- to mid-October.

Horseback Riding in Beautiful Lake George

Horseback riding near Lake George offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience during your getaway. Gather the family, saddle up, and experience the fresh mountain air on the Adirondack trails. At Surfside on the Lake, we are preparing our seasonal activities and rooftop restaurant. Our Cabana Bar and Restaurant will re-open on Memorial Day, and our pool and on-site watercrafts are available in June. Start planning your Adirondack vacation in beautiful Lake George today!

Mar 04 2022

Unique Attractions: Visit the Caves in Upstate NY

Upstate New York is beautiful year-round, but the transition from winter to spring is wonderful. The rugged forests bloom with wildflowers, trout fishing is at its best, and the waterfalls cascade from the snowmelt. But, underground, there is another side of the Adirondacks to explore. There are several caves and caverns that re-open during the spring and summer for tours and exploration. The caves in Upstate NY feature waterfalls, underground boat tours, and mineral formations from millions of years ago. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake in Lake George and plan a day trip to the nearby caves.

Natural Stone Bridge & Caves

Approximately 30 minutes from Lake George, you will find the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern U.S. Starting in May; you can hike the self-guided cave trail to see several surface caves and grottos. An Adventure Tour is available that allows you to go spelunking through four different caves. See underground waterfalls, crawl through passageways, and float through Garnet Cave.

Cooper’s Cave

This cave in Upstate, NY, is the closest to Lake George, located under the Cooper’s Cave Bridge. This cave is most known for its connection to the famous James Fenimore Cooper’s novel The Last of the Mohicans. Although this isn’t a cave for exploring, it’s a great pit stop on the way to Howe Caverns. Park by the overlook and witness views of the cave, waterfall, and the Hudson River.

Howe Caverns

Make a day trip from Lake George to one of the most visited caves in New York. Howe Caverns has slowly been carved out for over 6 million years, and today you can choose from several tours to witness this spectacle of nature. The traditional tour will take you past limestone, stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone through the main cavern. You will also take a boat ride on the underground riverbed. For the ultimate spelunking experience, choose one of the adventure tours that will take you to sections of the cavern not seen on the traditional tour.

Secret Caverns

When you visit Howe Caverns, head down the road to see Secret Caverns. When you arrive, you will be greeted by the hand painted entrance and signs that introduce you to what’s below the surface. Embark on a guided tour past stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstones. Unlike many other caves, you are allowed to touch the formations here! The real highlight of the tour is the 100-foot underground waterfall.

Hotels on the Lake in Upstate NY

Plan a trip to beautiful Lake George and spend a day exploring the caves in Upstate NY. Tour some of the best show caves in the state and then return to Surfside on the Lake. Our hotel is nestled in the Adirondacks on the shores of Lake George. Enjoy views of the lake from your room and relax before another day of adventures tomorrow!

Feb 14 2022

Relax and Unwind with a Lake George Spa Getaway

Sometimes we all need a break from the everyday, and wellness retreats have become a popular way to disconnect and relax during vacation. These retreats are all about slowing down and focusing on your health and overall wellbeing. Lake George is an excellent destination for a wellness retreat with several day spas offering massages, facials, and body treatments. Choose Surfside on the Lake for your getaway and relax in one of our spacious suites after your Lake George spa day. Book a treatment at one of the local spas today; you deserve it!

Lake George Massage and Day Spa

This Lake George spa offers dozens of relaxing treatments for your wellness retreat. They have standard massages like Swedish and deep tissue and specialized massages targeting specific areas. You can also choose a body polish or scrub to keep your skin hydrated and supple. You are sure to leave this day spa feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on anything!

Body Relief & Spa

Body Relief & Spa is located just down the road from Lake George in Queensbury. They focus on massages and skin care with various unique additions to the treatments. With a reiki massage, you can balance your physical, emotional, and mental health. After your massage, keep the relaxation going with a facial, enzyme peel, or body wrap. For an additional fee, you can also access the infrared sauna and eucalyptus steam room here.

Spa Studio Adirondacks

We recommend Spa Studio Adirondacks for couples treatments if you are visiting Lake George on a romantic getaway. Their services include massages, skin care, aromatherapy, and spa packages for two. Choose the signature couples massage or the sampler package if you are interested in more than one treatment. This package includes a Swedish massage and facial for the ultimate day at the spa!

Rejuvenation Spa Services

Rejuvenation Spa Services is located in Glens Falls, ten miles from our hotel. The experienced spa therapists deliver customized treatments that are as unique as you. They offer therapeutic massages such as deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone in a soothing environment. The esthetician can also assess your skin’s needs for custom facials that can help treat acne or reduce the signs of aging. Visit this family-owned spa and feel your stress melt away after relaxing treatments.

A Lake George Spa Retreat Awaits!

The Lake George spas have something for everyone to feel rejuvenated and relaxed during vacation. After a day at the spa, you can explore things to do in the area, whether it’s hiking in the mountains or playing in the snow. Surfside on the Lake is centrally located to several restaurants and shops, so you can easily experience everything Lake George has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Your wellness retreat in the Adirondacks awaits!

Jan 15 2022

A Family Winter Vacation in Upstate New York

Even though summer is the most popular time to vacation in Lake George, there is something special about our mountain town come winter. The snow falls on the Adirondacks, ushering in exhilarating skiing and the annual winter carnival full of fun for the family. Lake George is an excellent destination for a family winter vacation with outdoor and indoor activities everyone will love. Stay close to the action with Surfside on the Lake, one of the few hotels in Lake George village. Embark on a memorable winter vacation with these family-friendly activities.

Outdoor Activities for a Family Winter Vacation

It’s time to get outside and embrace winter in Lake George with the family. If your family is already familiar with skiing, head to Gore Mountain and shred the slopes of New York’s biggest mountain. For beginners, we recommend driving to West Mountain for skiable terrain suitable for all abilities. They also offer snow tubing for an easy and exciting day in the snow! For an affordable day outside, head to the Gurney Lane Recreation Area for free ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing.

The Lake George Winter Carnival is one of our favorite family-friendly festivals throughout the year. Every February, we celebrate winter all month-long with activities and events. Children’s arts and crafts are held daily at Shepard Park, as well as pony rides and s’mores in the park. This winter also brings ice castles where the kiddos can explore crawl tunnels, ice slides, and ice mazes.

Kid-Friendly Indoor Activities

When the weather gets too chilly to stay outside, head inside for family fun at Lake George Lanes & Games. Spend an afternoon bowling together, and then let the adventure continue with laser tag, arcade games, and an indoor playground.

Make the short drive to Queensbury for various indoor attractions for your family winter vacation. Splash into fun at the Six Flags Indoor Water Park with water slides, raft rides, and boogie surfing. The Sky Zone Trampoline Park is an excellent place for young and older kids to enjoy. Older kids and adults can challenge each other to ultimate dodgeball or race the Ninja warrior course. Children 6 and under can play in the Little Leapers area created for parents and little ones to enjoy together.

Family Owned Hotel in Lake George

Visit us in Lake George for a fun and action-packed family winter vacation- when you stay at our family-owned and operated hotel, Surfside on the Lake, children 12 and under stay for free!

Choose between our spacious rooms that can accommodate three to seven people, depending on the size of your family. Many of our suites offer kitchenettes for your convenience with amenities like electric cooktops and refrigerators. Join us in the Adirondacks and discover your new favorite family winter vacation destination.